Inhaltsangabe
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1918. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVI 'The Invincibles' '/"NE lieutenant was hit in seven places, Vy and his companion also was struck by shrapnel, but their machine was landed safely in our lines after completing the work it was sent to do.' The latter phrase particularly compels one's attention. 'After completing the work it was sent to do.' The writer--perhaps unconsciously--paid thus the greatest tribute possible to this daring hero. The sentiment is so peculiarly British, so altogether typical of our Flying Services. A proud boast it is of theirs, that they do not advertise. And who of us is there to challenge this attitude? But at least we may be allowed to pay a humble tribute to duty so bravely done. With shattered thigh and lacerated side, a boy pilot on the Western front flew on another forty miles, when he could well have turned for home. With his eyes blinded with agony, the machine rocking wildly in his shaking grasp, he completed his reconnaissance. Then his machine dived, uncontrolled, to the earth. The poor maimed body was almost unrecognisable. The patrol report was found, completed to the last moment. But the daring spirit lives on. It is the birthright of this our latest born Service. It is a birthright valued beyond all human dreams of avarice. It was dearly bought in human flesh and blood. This birthright it was that gained for the father of a dead hero the glowing letter from his Commanding Officer which appeared recently in the Streatham News: 'Dear Mr. Young,--It is with the deepest regret and sympathy that I have to write and inform you of your son's death, which took place on Saturday, during the enemy aircraft attack on this country. 'Your son, as you know, had only been in my squadron for a short time, but quite long enough for me to realise what a very...
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